ROUND16REVIEWS

FRANKSTONBOMBERS(51)vROSEBUD(38)

Narrowlymissingachancetoplayfinalsin2023,the Bombers will look finish their season strong as they are to face teams in finals in their two matches. But firsttheyneedtodealwithRosebudaslasttimethey metwasonlya6-goalwintotheblackandred.

The Bombers started strong throughout the first quarter as they convincingly had a lead by 8 goals. Keeping with their straight seven line-up, Rosebud proved their competitiveness through the middle quarters after finding their feet and having much of the 30 minutes on their terms. Heading into the last quarter the Buds reduced the margin down to 4 but were unable to progress any further and the Bombersranawayontheirhomecourtwitha13-goal win.

The Buds will need a four-quarter effort when they host Langwarrin, and the Bombers will take on Red Hill.

PINES(26)vREDHILL(59)

Pines were competitive against Red Hill in their Round7matchup,butwithplayerinconsistencyand relianceonseveralBGradeplayersPineswillneedto find another gear to stay with the Hills this time round.

The first quarter was quick to get away from the Pythonsastheyfoundthemselvestriallingby9goals at the first break. Changes made to the midcourt to seek some momentum in their play, the hosts couldn’t keep with the finals contenders as the half time score was pushed out to 19. Red Hill again utilised the Rolling Substitutions to their advantage throughout the match to assist with player management,reviewanumberofcombinationsand give all 11 available players sufficient court time. ZarahCarnieingoalsandLizWalshindefencewere solidbookendsfortheHillsandassistedtheirsideto takea33-goalwin.

Just two matches remaining and the top 5 teams secured,RedHillwillhosttheBombersandthePines willheadtoDromana.

SORRENTO(41)vMTELIZA(42)

As Sorrento and Mt Eliza have locked in their finals positions, this contest may be a finals preview of what’s to come in a couple of weeks. Last time they metitwasSorrentothathada6-goalwin,butasthe Redlegs have finished their season off strong the 4 pointswereupforgrabs.

Thegamewastightacrossallfourquarters,withthe highest margin only 2 goals at any stage. All goalers on court by both sides shared the responsibility and displayedimportantaccuracy.Atthemainbreak,the Sharks had the single goal lead. With only minor changes to the midcourt for the Redlegs all match, theyknewhowmuchtheyhadtocometogetherand united as a team if they wanted to snatch this close battle. Sorrento’s Ash Newham had a stella performance in WA and kept her team side by side with the visitors. With the scores level at 3 quarter time neither team were able to break away over the last 15 minutes of play. As the final siren was blown, Mt Eliza had a single goal lead giving them the win. Sorrento will welcome a couple of inclusions and a recovered injury, seeing this side advance to finals in acoupleofweeks.

Sorrento will head to Bonbeach, and Mt Eliza will welcome their tough battle against YCW as an opportunity to face the divisions favourites ahead of finals.